Coal fades as clean energy rises

“We’re now seeing further on-the-ground evidence that a swift conversion by energy providers from dirty coal to increased levels of clean, renewable energy sources is not only possible, but it’s also easier than expected and it’s cost effective,” said Singer, regional representative for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign in Colorado.

Across the country, we’re seeing a major growth in clean energy because it is competitive. This announcement in Colorado was just another example.

“Xcel’s achievement demonstrates that clean and safe alternatives to dirty and dangerous coal-fired power are available today,” Singer said.

When Colorado approved a 30 percent renewable energy standard in last year’s legislative session, it was the most ambitious renewable energy standard in the country (California has since approved a 33 percent standard). Yet even this ambitious standard was easily surpassed.

Xcel’s push for clean energy helped create more boots-on-the-ground clean energy jobs to get the utility to those targets. Singer said this will inspire and reassure other states and utilities.

“I hope that our successfully passed state level policy will become a model for other states to employ, as well as for national policy makers to take note of. We are capable of so much more. If clean energy can succeed in Colorado, it can succeed all over America.”